Solar hydrothermal system based on separated heat pipes
The solar water heating system constructed with separated heat pipe technology solves the problems of low heat collection efficiency and water pipe freezing and cracking under cold conditions, and achieves efficient and stable hot water supply.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521679292.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing solar water heaters have low heat collection and utilization efficiency in cold conditions, and are prone to water pipe rupture due to water freezing, affecting user experience and limiting their promotion and application.
The solar water thermal system, which is composed of separated heat pipes, uses the vacuum cavity structure of glass pipes and evaporation tubes to achieve efficient heat transfer during the evaporation and condensation process using heat transfer medium. Combined with the copper mesh structure, it accelerates the uniform diffusion of heat and prevents the water pipes from freezing and cracking.
It improves the stability and safety of the system in cold environments, ensures efficient use of heat, prevents water pipes from freezing and cracking, and provides a reliable hot water supply.
Smart Images
Figure CN223376081U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of heat exchangers, in particular to a solar water heating system based on separated heat pipes. Background Art
[0002] Solar energy derives its energy from the ongoing nuclear fusion reactions within the sun, a process that generates enormous amounts of energy. Due to its remarkable cleanliness, pollution-free nature, widespread distribution, and diverse applications, solar energy has assumed a leading position as a new energy source during a critical period of national development. Solar thermal technology, with its simple structure and low cost, has become one of the most popular solar energy applications. Heating and hot water supply account for up to 75% of building energy consumption, highlighting the importance of solar thermal technology. Currently, solar energy technologies primarily fall into two categories: natural circulation and forced circulation. However, solar water heating pipes face significant challenges in cold climates. Due to the extremely low temperature, water in pipes easily freezes. The expansion of frozen water creates immense pressure on pipes, potentially leading to pipe ruptures and even bursting of water tanks, causing inconvenience and losses for users. Simply adding thick insulation layers to address this issue often fails to effectively prevent freezing in pipes and water tanks in extremely low temperatures. Furthermore, solar water heaters generally have low heat collection and utilization efficiencies in cold weather, meaning we're failing to fully utilize this valuable renewable energy source to improve the water heater's thermal insulation performance. This not only impacts the user experience but also limits the widespread adoption of solar technology in cold regions. Therefore, improving solar water heater antifreeze technology and increasing its heat collection and utilization efficiency in cold weather are critical challenges that need to be addressed. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a solar water heating system based on separated heat pipes to solve the problem that the heat collection and utilization efficiency of solar water heaters in the existing technology is generally low under cold conditions.
[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution to achieve them: a solar water heating system based on a separated heat pipe, comprising a solar unit installed on the outside of a wall and a water heater unit installed on the inside of the wall, wherein the solar unit and the water heater unit are connected by a ventilation pipe, and the solar unit comprises an upper header, a lower header, and a glass pipe connecting the upper header and the lower header.
[0005] The glass pipe comprises an outer glass tube and an evaporation tube sleeved on the inner side of the glass tube. A vacuum cavity is formed between the glass tube and the evaporation tube, and heat transfer medium is contained in the evaporation tube.
[0006] The upper header and the lower header are respectively communicated with the water heater unit through ventilation pipes.
[0007] The utility model also has the following technical features:
[0008] The water heater unit comprises a water heater shell and a condenser installed in the water heater shell, and the condenser is communicated with the water heater unit.
[0009] The ventilation pipe includes a first ventilation pipe and a second ventilation pipe.
[0010] The first ventilation pipe is connected to one end of the condensing pipe and the upper header, and the second ventilation pipe is connected to the other end of the condensing pipe and the lower header.
[0011] A copper mesh is arranged in the evaporation tube.
[0012] The distance between the lower connecting box and the wall is greater than the distance between the upper connecting box and the wall, and the lower connecting box is connected to the wall via a connecting frame.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects:
[0014] (I) The utility model proposes a solar water heating system based on a separated heat pipe, which adopts a separated heat pipe to form a separated solar water heating system, which makes efficient use of energy, improves the stability and safety of the system, and enables the solar water heating system to operate normally under various environmental conditions, providing users with reliable services.
[0015] (II) The utility model proposes a solar water heating system based on a separated heat pipe, which has a simple structure, is easy to operate, safe and reliable, and has strong adaptability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall front structure of the solar water heating system based on separated heat pipes of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 2 This is a side view of the overall structure of the solar water heating system based on separated heat pipes of the present invention.
[0018] The meaning of each reference numeral in the accompanying drawings:
[0019] 1-Solar unit, 2-Water heater unit, 3-Ventilation pipe, 4-Connection frame, 5-Wall.
[0020] 1-1-upper header, 1-2-lower header, 1-3-glass pipe.
[0021] 2-1-water heater shell, 2-2-condenser.
[0022] 3-1-first ventilation pipe, 3-2-second ventilation pipe.
[0023] 1-4-glass tube, 1-5-evaporation tube.
[0024] The specific contents of the present invention are further explained in detail below with reference to the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Unless otherwise specified, all components in the present invention are components known in the prior art.
[0026] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following specific embodiments, and all equivalent modifications made on the basis of the technical solution of this application fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0027] In cold weather, the operational efficiency of solar water heaters can be affected by low temperatures. Specifically, pipes and heaters can rupture or crack due to the expansion of frozen water. Heat loss is also exacerbated, directly reducing the efficiency of solar energy conversion and utilization. To effectively utilize this renewable energy source, alleviate the current global energy shortage crisis, and overcome environmental limitations on solar energy utilization technology, this utility model proposes a solar water heating system based on separate heat pipes.
[0028] Example:
[0029] This embodiment provides a solar water heating system based on separated heat pipes, such as Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, it includes a solar unit 1 installed on the outside of the wall and a water heater unit 2 installed on the inside of the wall. The solar unit 1 and the water heater unit 2 are connected through a ventilation pipe 3. The solar unit 1 includes an upper header 1-1, a lower header 1-2 and a glass pipe 1-3 connected between the upper header 1-1 and the lower header 1-2.
[0030] The glass pipe 1-3 includes an outer glass tube 1-4 and an evaporation tube 1-5 sleeved on the inner side of the glass tube 1-4. A vacuum cavity is formed between the glass tube 1-4 and the evaporation tube 1-5. A heat transfer medium is contained in the evaporation tube 1-5.
[0031] The upper header 1 - 1 and the lower header 1 - 2 are connected to the water heater unit 2 through the ventilation pipe 3 respectively.
[0032] Inside evaporator tubes 1-5, the heat transfer medium absorbs the heat from solar radiation through glass tubes 1-4. The heat transfer medium vapor enters condenser tubes 2-2, releasing a significant amount of heat. The condensed heat transfer medium, under the influence of gravity, flows back through vent tubes 3 to evaporator tubes 1-5. Simultaneously, the heat released in condenser tubes 2-2 is transferred to the water in water heater housing 2-1 through heat conduction and convection, gradually raising the water temperature and ultimately producing hot water.
[0033] The outer glass tube 1-4 of the evaporation tube 1-5 absorbs the sun's thermal radiation and transfers the energy to the inner evaporation tube 1-5. The heat generated is quickly converted into energy within the heat transfer medium, causing the liquid heat transfer medium to undergo a phase change, i.e., the latent heat of vaporization process, and evaporate into steam.
[0034] Driven by a slight pressure differential within the system, the heat transfer medium vapor flows from evaporator tubes 1-5 to the condenser section. Upon reaching condenser tube 2-2, the vapor encounters the cooler tube wall, releasing the absorbed latent heat of vaporization and recondensing into a liquid state. This released heat is efficiently conducted through the walls of condenser tube 2-2, heating the cold water. Under the natural action of capillary forces, the condensed liquid heat transfer medium flows back through vent pipe 3 to evaporator tubes 1-5, completing the thermal cycle.
[0035] This process allows for efficient recycling of the heat transfer medium and ensures continuous and stable energy conversion within the system. Water heater unit 2 transfers the heat generated during the condensation reflux process directly to the cold water flowing through it. The cold water gradually decreases in density, rising to form convection with the denser cold water in the upper half of the water heater housing 2-1. This allows the denser cold water to be directed to the bottom of the water heater housing 2-1, where it absorbs heat and heats up. It then participates in convection with the upper cold water, forming a continuous heating cycle. Through this process, the water temperature within the water heater housing 2-1 gradually increases until it reaches the user's desired set temperature. The heat transfer medium used is an antifreeze medium, which maintains fluidity at extremely low temperatures, effectively avoiding the problem of frozen pipes caused by water volume expansion in traditional systems. The split solar water heating system utilizes energy efficiently, improves system stability and safety, and enables the system to operate normally in a variety of environmental conditions, providing reliable service to users.
[0036] As a preferred embodiment of this invention:
[0037] The water heater unit 2 includes a water heater shell 2-1 and a condenser 2-2 installed in the water heater shell 2-1. The condenser 2-2 is connected to the water heater unit 2, and the water heater shell 2-1 serves as a water storage.
[0038] As a preferred embodiment of this invention:
[0039] The ventilation pipe 3 includes a first ventilation pipe 3-1 and a second ventilation pipe 3-2.
[0040] The first ventilation pipe 3-1 is connected to one end of the condensation pipe 2-2 and the upper header 1-1, and the second ventilation pipe 3-2 is connected to the other end of the condensation pipe 2-2 and the lower header 1-2.
[0041] As a preferred embodiment of this invention:
[0042] The evaporation tubes 1-5 are arranged with a copper mesh; the uniform distribution structure of the copper mesh promotes uniform diffusion of heat along the tube wall, preventing local overheating or uneven heat dissipation. The porous structure of the copper mesh greatly increases the contact area between the inner wall of the evaporation tubes 1-5 and the working fluid, accelerating heat absorption at the evaporation end and heat release at the condensation end.
[0043] As a preferred embodiment of this invention:
[0044] The distance between the lower connecting box 1 - 2 and the wall is greater than the distance between the upper connecting box 1 - 1 and the wall, and the lower connecting box 1 - 2 is connected to the wall via a connecting frame 4 .
[0045] The specific working process of this utility model:
[0046] The glass pipes 1-3 are placed in an outdoor area outside the wall 5 and adopt a double-layer concentric sleeve structure. The inner layer is made of evaporation tubes 1-5 with excellent thermal conductivity, wide temperature adaptability, and a simple structure, while the outer layer is wrapped with a layer of glass tubes 1-4. These tubes can not only efficiently absorb solar energy under direct sunlight, but also make full use of environmental resources. Through the synergistic effect between the glass tubes 1-4 and the evaporation tubes 1-5, the conversion of solar energy into thermal energy is maximized. A vacuum annular cavity is formed between the two layers of glass tubes 1-4 and the evaporation tubes 1-5, which enhances the absorption capacity of solar radiation and enables the system to more efficiently utilize the heat of the surrounding environment. Copper mesh is arranged inside the evaporation tubes 1-5. The uniform distribution structure of the copper mesh promotes uniform heat diffusion along the tube wall, preventing local overheating or uneven heat dissipation. The porous structure of the copper mesh significantly increases the contact area between the inner wall of the heat pipe and the working fluid, accelerating heat absorption by the evaporation tubes 1-5 and heat release by the condenser tubes 2-2. The liquid heat transfer medium is stored in the lower header 1-2 and at the bottom of the evaporation tube 1-5. After being heated, it evaporates in a pool-like manner and vaporizes. The steam bubbles generated rise in the evaporation tube 1-5 and eventually gather in the upper header 1-1 through the opening at the upper end of the evaporation tube 1-5. The steam enters the first steam vent pipe 3-1 from the upper header 1-1 and is transported to the condenser 2-2. The evaporation tube 1-5 improves the efficiency of water heating, ensuring that the basic supply of hot water can be guaranteed even in the cold winter, and effectively prevents the risk of solar water heating pipes rupture due to low temperatures, thereby ensuring the stable operation and long-term reliability of the system. The vacuum cavity effectively reduces heat loss and further improves the overall performance of the system, so that this solar water thermal system can perform well under various climatic conditions and provide users with a continuous and stable supply of hot water.
[0047] The condenser tube 2-2 is connected to the connecting tube in the water heater housing 2-1, and the connecting tube is connected to the evaporation tube 1-5 through the vent tube 3, together forming a heat exchanger.
[0048] In the condenser 2-2, the steam releases heat to the cold fluid and gradually liquefies to form a liquid heat transfer medium. Under the action of gravity, the liquid heat transfer medium flows back to the upper header 1-1 along the vent pipe 3, and finally re-enters the evaporation tube 1-5, completing the entire cycle. The heat transfer medium uses the convection heat exchange mechanism to enable the condenser 2-2 to continuously receive and transfer heat from the evaporation tube 1-5. After absorbing the heat energy converted from solar energy, the heat transfer medium efficiently transfers the heat to the cold water flowing through it through the dual effects of heat conduction and heat convection. This heat transfer process is rapid and uniform, which improves the heating efficiency. The structural design is simple and efficient, and the installation is convenient.
[0049] The condenser 2-2 efficiently transfers the heat generated during the condensation and reflux process to the core components of the cold water. After the cold water is heated, its density decreases. The resulting density difference causes the heated water to rise, forming a convection motion with the cold water with higher density in the upper half of the water heater shell 2-1. The cold water with higher density can be guided to the bottom of the water heater shell 2-1, fully absorbing the heat from the condenser 2-2 and heating up, thus forming a continuous heating cycle. Through continuous convection and heat exchange, the water temperature in the water heater shell 2-1 gradually increases, ensuring the efficiency and stability of heat transfer.
[0050] The inclined structure of the upper header 1-1 and the lower header 1-2 can effectively separate the steam and liquid by gravity. The condensed heat transfer medium can naturally flow back to the evaporation tube 1-5, reducing flow resistance and avoiding medium retention.
[0051] The above technical solutions are only preferred specific implementation methods of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be thought of by any technician familiar with the field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention without creative work are all covered by the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A solar water heating system based on a separated heat pipe, comprising a solar unit (1) mounted on the outside of a wall and a water heater unit (2) mounted on the inside of the wall, wherein the solar unit (1) and the water heater unit (2) are connected via a vent pipe (3), characterized in that: The solar energy unit (1) comprises an upper header (1-1), a lower header (1-2), and a glass pipe (1-3) arranged in communication between the upper header (1-1) and the lower header (1-2); The glass pipe (1-3) comprises an outer glass tube (1-4) and an evaporation tube (1-5) sleeved on the inner side of the glass tube (1-4); A vacuum cavity is formed between the glass tube (1-4) and the evaporation tube (1-5), and a heat transfer medium is contained in the evaporation tube (1-5); The upper header (1-1) and the lower header (1-2) are respectively connected to the water heater unit (2) via a vent pipe (3).
2. The solar water thermal system based on separate heat pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water heater unit (2) comprises a water heater shell (2-1) and a condenser pipe (2-2) installed in the water heater shell (2-1), and the condenser pipe (2-2) is connected to the water heater unit (2).
3. The solar water thermal system based on separated heat pipes according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ventilation pipe (3) comprises a first ventilation pipe (3-1) and a second ventilation pipe (3-2); The first ventilation pipe (3-1) is connected to one end of the condensing pipe (2-2) and the upper header (1-1), and the second ventilation pipe (3-2) is connected to the other end of the condensing pipe (2-2) and the lower header (1-2).
4. The solar water thermal system based on separate heat pipes according to claim 3, characterized in that: A copper mesh is arranged inside the evaporation tube (1-5).
5. The solar water thermal system based on separate heat pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the lower connecting box (1-2) and the wall is greater than the distance between the upper connecting box (1-1) and the wall, and the lower connecting box (1-2) is connected to the wall via a connecting frame (4).